James Packer pays $1.8m to law firm also defending Netanyahu’s corruption charges

Australian billionaire James Packer has transferred at least 1.25 million US dollars, equivalent to approximately 1.78 million Australian dollars, to a Tel Aviv law firm currently defending Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. An investigative review conducted ahead of upcoming Israeli elections revealed a financial trail consisting of monthly wire transfers totaling 50,000 US dollars each. These payments occurred over a period of two years from a bank account controlled by Packer’s corporate entity to the account of Netanyahu’s legal defense team. The first such retainer payment was executed on September 23, 2024. It originated from a Citibank account belonging to Consolidated Press International, Packer’s firm, and was deposited into the accounts of the law firm Hadad Roth Shenhar at Israel’s Mizrahi Tefahot Bank. Packer has not denied making these regular payments. However, when contacted regarding the allegations, he declined to offer further comment. A source familiar with the financial dealings of the 59-year-old former media mogul stated that the wire transfers were intended to compensate the law firm for services rendered specifically to Packer. According to this source, the work included deal finding within Israel, where Packer holds business interests, and was entirely unrelated to the prime minister’s ongoing court proceedings. Despite requests for evidence of specific deals or documentation of work performed by the firm, neither Packer nor his company has responded to inquiries seeking clarification. A separate source, who is aware of the payments but lacks authorization to speak publicly, argued that the transfers warrant urgent investigation. This individual suggested the payments should be scrutinized to determine whether Netanyahu received an undisclosed benefit from Packer while the firm defended him against corruption charges. The core allegation in Netanyahu’s trial is that he unlawfully accepted expensive gifts from Packer and other wealthy supporters between 2014 and 2016. If it were established that Packer’s payments to the law firm directly or indirectly benefited the prime minister, the source alleged such actions could constitute new violations of Israeli laws regulating political support. Additionally, the payments might potentially fall under United States statutes governing financial transactions and benefits received by foreign politicians from private entities. Israeli authorities have previously blocked attempts by Netanyahu to receive direct funding from wealthy backers for his legal defense. Officials determined that relying on such external financiers would amount to a breach of trust and create a conflict of interest. Consequently, Netanyahu has unsuccessfully sought legal permission to allow his overseas associates to fund the defense through the law firm. The current arrangement appears to circumvent previous restrictions by routing payments through a corporate structure rather than direct personal donations. Hadad Roth Shenhar serves as the primary legal counsel for Netanyahu in multiple matters. Beyond the corruption trial involving Packer and film producer Arnon Milchan, the firm is assisting the prime minister in contesting allegations that he improperly traded favors with an Israeli newspaper publisher and a telecommunications company. Amit Hadad, the firm’s most senior partner, acts as Netanyahu’s lead defense attorney. Hadad has built a reputation representing various Israeli government ministers and prominent business figures, though Netanyahu remains his most high-profile client. He did not respond to questions regarding the nature of the fees being collected from Packer’s company. Reaction to the revelations came swiftly from political observers. When asked about the allegations on Monday morning, a spokesperson for Netanyahu dismissed the inquiry. The representative stated that the office had no interest in answering the questions due to the immediate pressures of the ongoing election campaign. Transparency International issued a statement indicating that Packer’s decision to remit 1.25 million US dollars to the firm defending Netanyahu demands urgent and independent scrutiny. The organization noted that given the existing significant corruption charges facing the prime minister, the timing and destination of these funds raise serious concerns. The financial relationship spans two years, with consistent monthly outflows from Packer’s corporate account. The investigation highlights the complex intersection of international business interests and domestic political litigation. While Packer maintains the payments were for commercial services, the coincidence of the recipient being the defense counsel in a case alleging illicit benefits from Packer creates a focal point for potential regulatory violation. Neither party has provided documentary proof of the commercial work allegedly performed during this period. The lack of response to requests for evidence leaves the exact scope of the legal services undefined. As the Israeli elections approach, the disclosure adds a layer of complexity to the public discourse surrounding Netanyahu’s legal battles and his relationships with foreign donors. The matter now awaits potential formal inquiry into whether the flow of funds constitutes an improper influence or a legitimate professional engagement.